Apprenticeship Overview
The Level 2 Nail Services Technician Apprenticeship develops a confident, skilled junior nail technician who can deliver high‑quality nail treatments, maintain a professional nail bar or station, and support the smooth running of your salon, spa, nail bar or retail environment.
This 12‑month programme combines paid employment with structured practical training delivered by Achievement Training’s specialist Beauty & Nail team. Apprentices learn to complete nail services on a one‑to‑one basis, working within commercial timings and meeting legal, industry and organisational standards.
What a Nail Services Technician Is Trained to Deliver
Apprentices learn to provide a full range of professional nail treatments while maintaining salon standards, client confidentiality and safe working practices.
Core Skills & Responsibilities
- Maintaining and managing a nail bar or station in line with legal requirements and manufacturer instructions.
- Assessing client needs and selecting appropriate services and products.
- Making and advising on bookings.
- Implementing safe working practices for themselves and others.
- Advising, demonstrating and recommending nail products and tools.
- Completing nail services within commercially viable timings.
- Providing professional aftercare and product recommendations.
- Upholding legal, industry and organisational codes of practice.
Technical Nail Services Covered
- Manicure services
- Pedicure services
- Gel polish services
- Basic nail art
- Nail enhancements
- Client advice on products, maintenance and aftercare
The role is fast‑paced and customer‑focused, requiring precision, professionalism and strong client communication skills.
Why Employers Choose Achievement Training
Achievement Training works closely with local salons, spas and nail bars to develop apprentices who are:
- Trained to industry standards using professional products, tools and equipment.
- Confident in delivering nail services safely, efficiently and within commercial timings.
- Supported through clear communication, progress tracking and regular workplace visits.
- Able to contribute positively to client satisfaction, retail sales and repeat bookings.
- Ready to progress into Level 3 or specialist nail roles within your organisation.
Duration
12 months (excluding End‑Point Assessment period).
Delivery
Training is delivered primarily in the workplace, supported by:
- Regular assessor visits
- Professional discussions
- Practical observations
- At least 6 hours per week of off‑the‑job training
Apprentices complete the full Level 2 Nail Services Technician standard before progressing to EPA.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA includes two assessment methods:
- Multiple‑choice test
- Observation of practice
Each component is graded Fail, Pass or Distinction, ensuring apprentices meet national occupational standards.
Progression Opportunities
Upon completion, apprentices can progress into:
- Level 3 Advanced Nail Services or Beauty Therapy Apprenticeships.
- Higher apprenticeships at Levels 4 or 5.
- Specialist roles such as nail artist, gel technician, nail enhancement specialist or salon‑based nail technician.
This creates a clear development pathway and supports long‑term workforce planning.
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it.
Individuals without level 1 English and maths, aged 16-18, will be required to complete the Level 2 functional skills qualifications prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.
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